SCOTLAND 0-3 GREECE (1-3): The Tartan Army have been relegated from the top tier of the Nations League after Greece produced a stunning comeback at Hampden Park
The reaction inside Hampden Park at the final whistle told its own story as Scotland were handed a harsh reality check. Three successive wins – including Thursday’s impressive first leg win in Greece – had strengthened belief Steve Clarke’s side had turned a corner.
But a crushing Nations League play-off defeat provided a painful reminder of the work still to do with the final whistle triggering a chorus of loud boos. The loss means Scotland will drop into Nations League B and left Clarke and his players in no doubt about the progress they must make before the World Cup qualifiers begin in September.
That will include a reunion with a Greek side cancelled out Scotland’s first-leg lead through Giannis Konstantelias and then wrapped up a win with goals from teenager Konstantinos Karetsas and Christos Tzolis either side of the break. And frustratingly for Clarke, his side rarely looked like conjuring a reply
The stadium paid tribute to Denis Law with a display spelling out ‘Lawman’ before Sir Alex Ferguson held up a shirt bearing the legendary striker’s name on the pitch before kick-off. And for a short while there were signs that Clarke’s side might rise to the occasion.
The Scots had been forced to dig in to protect their lead as Greece moved through the gears in the second half of the first game. But they were back on the front foot during an upbeat opening when Scott McTominay came close to marking his 60th cap with a goal.
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The midfielder’s penalty divided the two teams in the first leg and the Napoli man quickly forced keeper Kostas Tzolakis into action. But Scotland’s high-tempo start was brought to a halt when Greece made the breakthrough to level the aggregate score in the 20th minute.
Karetsas ran at left-back Andy Robertson before releasing Giorgos Vagiannidis on the overlap. And Konstantelias made no mistake when he met the right-back’s cross with a first time shot that flashed past Craig Gordon.
And from that point, Greece were largely in control of the game – and the tie. John McGinn drew another excellent save from Tzolakis after his run had been picked out by McTominay.
But It was the visitors who looked the more assured side and ruthlessly took advantage when they got the chance to extend their lead three minutes before the break. Once again it was the speed and precision of Greece’s attack that cut through the Scotland defence as the ball was worked to Karetsas via Konstantelias.
The youngster had the time and space inside the area to steady himself before curling a left foot shot beyond Gordon. It was a crushing blow for Clarke’s men just before the interval – but worse was to come after the restart when Greece added a third just 15 seconds into the second half.
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The visitors were given a massive helping hand when Ryan Christie misdirected a pass deep inside his own half. Konstantelias pounced onto the loose ball and drew the Scotland defence before playing a reverse pass to Tzolis who slotted home.
The three-goal deficit meant Scotland faced a huge challenge if they were to get back into the game – and one they never looked like overcoming. Too many passes went astray while the home backline looked vulnerable when Greece pressed forward.
And the frustration felt by the Tartan Army was evident when loud boos began to sound from the stands ten minutes into the second half. And instead of working their way back into the game, Scotland would have fallen further behind but for John Souttar’s goalline clearance that denied Vangelis Pavlidis.
